Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that Real Betis were the stronger side in the first half of the Europa Conference League final — but says the Blues’ sluggish start was no surprise.

The Italian pointed to the demanding schedule his side faced in the lead-up to the final in Wroclaw, having played a gruelling 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday that secured Champions League qualification. In contrast, Real Betis enjoyed a more relaxed buildup, playing on Friday in a match of little consequence.

“They played on Friday in a game that didn’t mean much, and we played on Sunday until the 100th minute for a crucial objective,” Maresca explained.

“So I expected that we’d start off the pace. Credit to them — they started really well. Then in the second half we changed a few things and it went much better.”

Chelsea were forced to dig deep in that Forest encounter, with every player pushing to the limit to ensure top-four qualification. With only three days to recover before facing Betis, it was perhaps inevitable that the Blues lacked their usual energy in the opening 45 minutes of the final.

Betis, who had already sealed a Europa League spot for next season, entered the game with fresher legs and no recent high-stakes pressure — a combination that gave them the early advantage.

Despite the slow start, Chelsea came roaring back in the second half, showcasing their resilience and tactical adaptability. Maresca’s tweaks paid off as the Blues seized control of the game and stormed to a 4-1 victory, securing their first European trophy since 2021.

It was a tale of two halves — and a reminder that, under Maresca, this Chelsea side has both the grit and the flexibility to overcome even the most difficult of starts.